Unilateral hypogenesis of anterior cerebral artery: Transcranial doppler ultrasonography and analysis / 中国脑血管病杂志

ABSTRACT

Objectives: To analyze the hemodynamic characteristics in patients with unilateral hypogenesis of anterior cerebral artery (ACA) using transcranial Doppler ultrasonography (TCD) and to discuss the diagnostic value of it. Methods: Twenty-eight patients with unilateral hypogenesis of ACA were confirmed by TCD and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). The characteristics of hemodynamic changes were observed in hypogenetic side and contralateral anterior cerebral artery A1 segment (ACA-A1) before and after compression of the common carotid artery. They were also compared with 28 normal controls. Results: The blood flow velocity of the hypogenetic side ACA-A1 (62 ± 17) cm/s of the 28 patients was significantly lower than that of the control group [(87 ± 15) cm/s; P < 0. 01]; the blood flow velocity of the contralateral ACA-A1 (123 ± 13) cm/s was significantly higher than that of the control group (P < 0.01). The average blood flow velocity of the hypogenetic side ACA-A1 was almost half of the contralateral ACA-A1. After compressing the common carotid arteries respectively, the blood flow velocity of the hypogenetic side ACA-A1 increased for several times (3.0.8 ± 0.51), and it was significantly higher than that of the control group (1.97 ± 0.25; P < 0.01); the blood flow velocity of the contralateral side ACA-A1 increased for several times (1.35 ± 0.11), and it was significantly lower than that of the control group (P < 0.01); the average blood flow velocity of the hypogenetic side ACA-A1 was more than 2 times of the contralateral ACA-A1. Conclusion: Accordin g to hemodynamic changes before and after compression of the common carotid artery, together with the signal strength of blood flow, and the distribution of blood flow, TCD may defect unilateral hypogenesis of ACA.